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Page 345
no fault can be found in him because my lance failed. If he desires another passage of three, I have no objection to it."
"There is no time, Lord Ian," Pembroke protested. "We will be here long after dark."
Ian smiled. "I think what is best will be to take the matter to the king. I am sure Sir Thomas and I will both be satisfied with his decision."
What Sir Thomas might have replied to this mischievous suggestion would never be known. Before he could open his mouth, another voice spoke with asperity. "May I ask what goes forward here?"
The four men, who had been concentrating on one another, were all startled. All heads turned sharply. Salisbury and Pembroke bowed. Ian and Sir Thomas, who were mounted, bent their heads. Salisbury began to explain the situation as succinctly as possible.
"If Lord Ian and Sir Thomas both desire to conclude the matter," the king said without allowing Salisbury to finish, "I do not see why they should not."
"Very well, my lord," Pembroke agreed stiffly, "but that will make it necessary to allow any gentleman to do the same. In which case, those men who came late to challenge will need to forgo their chance. The days are short. It will be dark long before we come to the end of our list."
Something flashed briefly in John's eyes. It might have been his dislike for Pembroke, but Ian did not think so, because the cold black stare passed over him briefly.
"I see," John continued. "That would be most unfair. Some of those who came late to challenge have ridden a far distance to join the sport. I am sorry to deny you, Sir Thomas. You rode well. It would have given me pleasure to see you ride again. But your cause is not lost. Perhaps something can be done to return Westfield to you."

 
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